Bayliss backs off ‘difficult decision’

ENGLAND coach Trevor Bayliss has distanced himself from the decision to allow Ben Stokes to return to international arena despite being formally charged by police.

Stokes, 26, is set to pull on the England colours again in New Zealand next month.

The England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to make Stokes available for selection came after he was charged with affray in relation to an incident outside a Bristol nightclub on September 25.

Before he was charged, Stokes did not take any part in the recent Ashes series after footage of the alleged incident surfaced and was ruled out of the current five-match one-day international series against Australia.

The ECB's decision to clear Stokes to play after he was formally charged has been met with criticism given he has an impending court date, which has yet to be determined.

Ahead of Friday's second ODI at the Gabba, Bayliss said he was not involved in the decision to bring Stokes back.